USB Type-C port short protection

ABSTRACT

A short circuit protection circuit may comprise a first configuration channel line extending from a first connector, a first resistor connected to the first configuration channel line; a voltage divider connected to a junction point on the first configuration channel line, the voltage divider comprising a second resistor and a thermistor, and a field effect transistor (FET) comprising a source, gate, and drain. The thermistor may be connected to a ground line. The drain of the FET may be connected to the first resistor, the source of the FET may be connected to the ground line, and the gate of the FET may be connected to a second junction point between the second resistor and thermistor of the voltage divider.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/287,422, filed on Feb. 27, 2019, the disclosure of which ishereby incorporated herein by reference.

As a space and cost saving measure, electronic devices are beingconstructed with a single connector for power and data communication.This is particularly true for small form factor devices, such as mobilephones, smartwatches, earbuds, Bluetooth headsets and speakers,head-mounted displays, etc. An increasingly common connector beingintegrated into these devices is the Universal Serial Bus (USB) Type-Cport which includes capabilities for both power and data communication.In this regard, a USB Type-C connector system is capable of deliveringlarge amounts of power relative to other legacy USB systems, while alsoproviding a path for high speed data communication over a single USBType-C compliant cable having a reversible connector.

The increased amount of power delivered by the USB Type-C connectorsystem, which may be upwards of 100 watts, may present safety issues notrealized in other systems which handle lower amounts of power. Forinstance, in the event one or more of the power supply lines, known asVBUS lines, within the USB Type-C connector system become shortcircuited to the ground, such as by a buildup of dust within a USBType-C port or some other conductive object entering a port, the portmay become overheated. The overheated USB Type-C port may lead to theport, or other components connected to, or in the vicinity of, the portburning or incurring other damage as a result of the excessive heat. Inaddition, there is a risk of a user suffering from burns or beingshocked if they contact that overheated port or the other affectedcomponents.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a short circuit protectioncircuit comprising a first configuration channel line extending from afirst connector; a first resistor connected to the first configurationchannel line; a voltage divider connected to a junction point on thefirst configuration channel line, the voltage divider comprising asecond resistor and a thermistor, wherein the thermistor is connected toa ground line; and a field effect transistor (FET) comprising a source,gate, and drain, wherein the drain is connected to the first resistor,the source is connected to the ground line, and the gate is connected toa second junction point between the second resistor and thermistor ofthe voltage divider.

In one example, the first configuration channel line outputs a voltageat the first connector when the FET is on.

In one scenario, a diode positioned on the first configuration channelline between the first resistor and the junction point.

In some embodiments, the voltage divider outputs a voltage at the secondjunction point.

In some instances, the short circuit protection circuit furthercomprises a second configuration channel line extending from the firstconnector.

In some embodiments, the short circuit protection circuit furthercomprises a third resistor connected to the second configuration channelline, wherein the third resistor is connected to the drain of the FET.In one example, the short circuit protection circuit further comprises adiode positioned on the second configuration channel line between thethird resistor and the junction point. In some instances, the shortcircuit protection circuit further comprises a capacitor, wherein thecapacitor is connected on a first end to a second junction on theconfiguration channel line located between the diode and the secondresistor and the capacitor is connected on a second end to the groundline. In some instances, the capacitor stabilizes the voltage at thejunction point.

In some embodiments, the FET is configured to turn on when a voltage atthe gate is above a threshold value and turn off when the voltage at thegate is below the threshold value. In some examples, power is deliveredover a power supply line extending from the first connector when the FETis on and no power is delivered over the power supply line when the FETis off.

In some embodiments, the voltage divider outputs a lower voltage at thesecond junction point when the thermistor is at a higher temperaturethan when the thermistor is at a lower temperature.

In some embodiments, the short circuit protection circuit furthercomprises a third diode, wherein the diode connects a power supply lineextending from the first connector to the junction point. In someexamples, the short circuit protection circuit further comprises alow-dropout regulator (LDO) positioned inline between the junction pointand the voltage divider, wherein the LDO stabilizes a voltage at thevoltage divider and/or lowers the voltage provided at the junctionpoint.

In some embodiments, the FET is metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effecttransistor (MOSFET).

Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to a system comprising afirst port having a first set of pins; a second port having a second setof pins, wherein the second port is configured to electrically connectto the first port via one or more electrical connections between thefirst set of pins and the second set of pins; a power supply lineextending from a second pin in the second port, a power supply forproviding a voltage to a first configuration channel line at a first pinin the first port, wherein the first pin in the first port is connectedto the first pin in the second port; a short circuit protection circuit,the short circuit protection circuit comprising: a voltage dividercomprising a first resistor and a thermistor; and a field effecttransistor (FET); and a controller configured to detect the voltage onthe first configuration channel line at the first pin in the first port,wherein when the controller detects a voltage on the first pin in thefirst port being above a threshold value, the controller triggers powerdelivery on the power supply line.

In some embodiments, the power is delivered on the power supply linefrom the first port to the power supply line via a connection between asecond pin in the first port and the second pin in the second port.

In some embodiments, the short circuit protection circuit furthercomprises: a second resistor connected to the first configurationchannel line; and a diode positioned on the first configuration channelline between the second resistor and a junction point. In some examples,the FET comprises a source, gate, and drain, wherein the drain isconnected to the second resistor, the source is connected to a groundline, and the gate is connected to a second junction point between thefirst resistor and thermistor of the voltage divider, wherein the FET isconfigured to turn on when a voltage at the gate is above a secondthreshold value, wherein when the FET is on, voltage at the first pin inthe first port is above the threshold value. In some examples, the FETis configured to turn off upon a voltage at the gate being below thesecond threshold value, wherein when the FET is off, the voltage at thefirst pin in the first port is below the threshold value.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a pin layout within an example USB Type-Cport according to aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an example illustration of a typical USB Type-C connectorsystem according to aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an example circuit diagram of a short circuit protectioncircuit according to aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an example circuit diagram illustrating the operation of ashort circuit protection circuit according to aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an example circuit diagram illustrating the operation of ashort circuit protection circuit according to aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is an example circuit diagram of a short circuit protectioncircuit including a low-dropout regulator according to aspects of thedisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

The technology relates generally to circuit designs for reducing therisk of a short, circuited power supply line damaging a port. Suchcircuitry may be implemented in any number of devices where power issupplied through a USB Type-C system. In this regard, power deliverythrough the USB Type-C system requires a valid connection be madebetween two USB Type-C ports before power is supplied. According to thisdisclosure, and as described in detail herein, the circuitry leveragesthe way a valid connection is detected, as well as the heat generated bya short, circuited power supply line, to turn off the power suppliedthrough the power supply line. For example, the circuitry utilizes avoltage divider including a negative temperature coefficient (NTC)thermistor to control the operation of the transistor. When thethermistor is heated up as the result of the short, circuited powersupply line, the transistor may be switched off. In the off position,the transistor makes it appear that a valid connection is not presentbetween two ports which are otherwise validly connected. As a result,the power supply line may be turned off to prevent excessive heat fromdamaging the port.

The short circuit protection circuit (SCPC) includes a pair of resistorswhich operate as a voltage divider. One or more of the resistors may bea thermistor that has a variable resistance which is dependent upon itstemperature. In this regard, the higher the temperature of thethermistor the lower the resistance of the thermistor. As such, thevoltage output by the voltage divider decreases as the thermistor 337heats up.

The SCPC also includes a transistor, such as a MOSFET, which iscontrolled by the voltage of the voltage divider. In this regard, whenthe voltage output by the voltage divider is sufficiently high, asdescribed herein, the transistor turns on. Upon the transistor turningon, a valid connection between the USB Type-C ports may be determined,such as by a controller or other such processor, and power may bedelivered over the power supply line.

In instances where the voltage divider is insufficient, such as ininstances where the thermistor heats up beyond a certain threshold, thetransistor may turn off. Upon turning off, a valid connection betweenthe USB Type-C ports may no longer be determined by a controller, orother such processor, and power delivery over the power supply line maybe turned off.

The features described may reduce the risk of a short, circuited powersupply line damaging a port or components connected to, or in thevicinity of the port. In addition, the circuitry described may reducethe risk of a user suffering from burns or being shocked from anoverheated port or other components. In some instances, the circuitrymay allow power to be supplied over a shorted power supply line as longas the heat generated by the short, circuited power supply line remainswithin a safe temperature range.

Example Systems

A USB Type-C port may include two sets of pins which arerotationally-symmetrical to allow a connector to be reversibly connectedto the port. For example, and as shown in example USB Type-C port 100 ofFIG. 1 , the port contains two sets of 12 pins, A1-A12 and B1-B12. PinsA1, A12, B1 and B12 (GND) may be ground contacts. Pins A2 and B2 (TX1+)and A3 and B3 (TX1−) can form respective pairs of high speedtransmission paths. Pins A4, B4, A9, and B9 can be bus power (VBUS)contacts. Pins A5 and B5 (CC1, CC2) can form a configuration channel(CC) path. Pins A6, A7, B6, and B7 (D+, D−) may form a differential pairpath. Pins A8 and B8 can form a side band use (SBU1, SBU2). Pins A10 andA11 (RX2−, RX2+), B10 and B11 (RX1−, RX1+) may form high speedtransmission differential pair. Although the USB Type-C ports discussedherein are described as female receptacles configured to receive a maleconnector, the USB Type-C ports may be a male receptacle configured toreceive a female connector, or the USB Type-C ports may be configured asmale or female connectors configured to attach to female or malereceptacles. The technology discussed herein may also be implemented inother buses and connectors, such as connectors which have separatecontrol lines which control the delivery of power.

A typical USB Type-C system may include two USB Type-C ports, includinga downstream facing port (DFP) and an upstream facing port (UFP). TheDFP may be configured to provide power to the UFP over one or more powersupply lines after a valid connection between the DFP and UFP is made.For example, USB Type-C system 200 shown in FIG. 2 includes DFP 221 andUFP 225. USB Type-C compliant cable 230 connects CC pin 201 of the DFP221 with CC pin 205 of the UFP 225 together. As USB Type-C cable 230contains only a single CC line, if the cable 230 is reversed in the DFP221 and/or the UFP 225, connections between different CC pins may bemade. For instance, CC pin 201 may be connected to CC pin 207 or CC pin203 may be connected to CC pin 205 or 207.

The cable 230 also connects VBUS pin 202 of the DFP 221 with VBUS pin204 of the UFP 225. Although only a single VBUS line 231 is shown inFIG. 2 , power may be delivered over more than one VBUS line and betweenmore than one pair of VBUS pins between the DFP 221 and UFP 225. Otherconnectors may be used in conjunction with or in place of cable 230 toconnect DFP 221 and UFP 225. While the ground lines 271, 272, and 273are shown as independent lines, it should be understood that each of theUFP 221 and DFP 225, as well as components connected thereto, may sharea common ground line. In this regard, cable 230 may provide a connectionbetween one or more ground pins in the DFP 221 and UFP 225 (not shown)to tie the various grounds (i.e., 271, 272, 273, etc.) together.

A valid connection between the DFP 221 and UFP 225 may be indicated by aparticular voltage being present at one or more configuration channel(CC) pins within the DFP 221. In this regard, a controller or otherprocessor, such as controller 260 may monitor the configuration channel(CC) pins 201, 203 for a particular voltage. The particular voltage maybe a predefined voltage or a voltage within a range of voltages, such asa voltage between 0.5V and 3V, or more or less. Upon detecting theparticular voltage, the controller 260 may trigger a power source, suchas power source 252 to deliver power over the VBUS line 231.

The voltage at the CC pins 201 and/or 203 may be based upon the voltagegenerated by a power source and the resistance of resistors connected tothe CC pins. For example, and as further shown in FIG. 2 , CC pins 201and 203 of the DFP 221 are connected to power source 250 via pull-upresistors 211 and 213, respectively and CC pins 205 and 207 of the UFPare connected to ground 273 via pull-down resistors 215 and 217,respectively. The power source 250, which may be the same or differentthan power source 252, may continually, or intermittently, generate avoltage of 3-5 volts, or more or less.

The pull-up resistors and the pull-down resistors may form a voltagedivider which divides the voltage provided by power source 250 topresent a particular voltage at one of the CC pins. For example, when CCpins 201 and 205 are connected by cable 230 as shown in FIG. 2 , pull-upresistor 211 and pull-down resistor 215 may form a voltage divider whichpresents a particular voltage at CC pins 201 and 205. In instances wherethe cable 230 is reversed, a voltage divider may be formed by differentpairs of resistors, such as resistor 211 and 217 or resistor 213 andresistor 215 or 217. The resistance of the pull-up resistors 211, 213may be indicative of the current sourcing capability of a power supply252 and may be between 4 kΩ and 56 kΩ, or more or less. The resistanceof pull-down resistors may be around 5 kΩ, or more or less.

In operation, when the DFP 221 is not connected to UFP 225, the voltageat the unterminated CC pins 201, 203 may be between 3-5V, or more orless. In instances where the UFP 225 is connected to the DFP 221, suchas shown in FIG. 2 , the voltage of CC pin 201 may be the particularvoltage, such as a voltage between 0.5V and 3V, and pin 203 may be 0V,or more or less. The controller 260 may detect the particular voltage atCC pin 201 and trigger, or otherwise activate power source 252, which inturn may deliver power to the UFP 225 via the VBUS 231. Power source 252may continue to provide voltage as long as the particular voltage isdetected at pin 201 by the controller. That is to say, power source 252provides voltage over the VBUS 231 as long as a valid connection isdetected between DFP 221 and UFP 225.

As used herein, the circuitry and components located before the DFP 221,including pull-up resistors 211, 213, and power sources 250 and 252, isconsidered downstream circuitry. The circuitry located after the UFP225, including the pull-down resistors 215, 217 is considered upstreamcircuitry. Although FIG. 2 shows the downstream circuitry as beingoutside the DFP 221 and the upstream circuitry as being outside the UFP225, some or all of the downstream circuitry may be integrated into theDFP 221 and some or all of the upstream circuitry may be integrated intothe UFP 225.

FIG. 3 provides a circuit diagram illustrating a circuit design of ashort circuit protection circuit (SCPC) 390 integrated into the upstreamcircuitry. The SCPC 390 includes diode 331 positioned in parallel withpull-down resistor 215 on line CC1 361 and diode 332 positioned inparallel with pull-down resistor 217 on line CC2 362. Diodes 331 and 332tie together at junction 341. The diodes 331 and 332 may prevent currentfrom flowing from the SCPC 390 back towards the CC pins 205 and 207.

A capacitor may be used to minimize voltage fluctuation at junction 341with the SCPC 390. For example, capacitor 334 is positioned inlinebetween junction 341 and ground. The capacitor 334 may have a relativelysmall capacitance, such as 0.1 μF, or more or less. During a voltagechange at junction 341, such as during a switch over from CC1 or CC2,and/or during VBUS being powered upon a qualified pull down via MOSFET330 and pull-down resistor 215 or 217, capacitor 334 may release astored charge to maintain a consistent voltage at junction 341.

A pair of resistors in the SCPC 390, including resistor 335 and negativetemperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor 337, is used as a voltagedivider to generate a voltage at junction 342. The voltage output by thevoltage divider is dependent upon the temperature of the thermistor. Inthis regard, the thermistor has a variable resistance which is dependentupon its temperature, with a higher temperature resulting in a lowerresistance. In other words, when thermistor 337 heats up its resistancedecreases. Thermistor 337, which ties junction 342 to ground, may have avariable resistance between 100 kΩ and 0 kΩ, or more or less, dependingupon its temperature. Resistor 335, which may be around 150 kΩ, or moreor less, is positioned between junction 341 and junction 342.

The thermistor 337 may be positioned close to the VBUS pins of the UFP225 so that heat at the VBUS pin affects the resistance of thethermistor. For instance, when the VBUS 231 is short circuited toground, a buildup of heat may occur at the VBUS pins of the UFP 225, andin some instances, the VBUS 231 itself may generate excessive heat. Thisincreased heat may cause the thermistor 337 to heat up and theresistance of the thermistor to decrease.

The SCPC 390 includes a MOSFET 330 with its drain attached to junction318 and source attached to ground 273. The gate of the MOSFET 330 isattached to junction 342. When the gate of the MOSFET 330 is subjectedto a certain voltage, such as 0.6V or more or less, the MOSFET may beturned on, thereby allowing current to travel between the drain and thesource. In this regard, when gate of the MOSFET 330 is subjected to thecertain voltage, current flows from junction 318 to ground 273. As aresult, the pull-down resistors 215, 217 are connected to ground whenthe MOSFET 330 is on and unterminated when the MOSFET 330 is off. Asexplained above, the voltage at junction 342, to which the gate of theMOSFET is attached, is determined by the value of the voltage dividerformed by resistor 335 and thermistor 337. Although SCPC 390 is shown asincluding a MOSFET, other field effect transistors may also be used.

A third diode 333 may be positioned between the VBUS 231 and junction341. Diode 333 may provide junction 341 with the voltage on the VBUS 231when the VBUS is powered. In this regard, the voltage provided on theVBUS 231 may be larger and/or more stable than the voltage provided overthe CC pins, 205 and 207. As such, the voltage divider created byresistor 335 and thermistor 337 may operate more reliably with thevoltage from the VBUS 231 than the voltage provided over the CC pins,205 and 207. Diode 333 also prevents current from flowing back towardsthe VBUS from the SCPC 390.

FIG. 4 illustrates the operation of the SCPC 390 when the UFP 225 isconnected to a DFP (not shown) and a voltage is provided to pin CC1 205by a power source, such as power source 250. For example, current,illustrated by the dashed line, flows through diode 331 to the voltagedivider formed by resistor 335 and thermistor 337. The voltage presentedat junction 342 by the voltage divider may be about 0.8V, or more orless depending upon the voltage provided by the power source.

The voltage presented at junction 342 by the voltage divider turns onthe MOSFET 330, as further illustrated in FIG. 4 . As a result ofturning on the MOSFET 330, junction 318 is grounded which pullspull-down resistor 215 to ground. Current passing through pull-downresistor 215 generates a particular voltage at CC pin 205, such as avoltage between 0.5V and 3V. As CC pin 205 is connected to acorresponding CC pin on the DFP, a controller, such as controller 260may detect the particular voltage at the CC pin of the DFP and trigger,or otherwise activate a power source to deliver power to the UFP 225 viathe VBUS 231. In instances where voltage is provided to pin CC2 207, theoperation of the SCPC 390 will be similar, however current will flowthrough diode 332 and pull-down resistor 217 instead of diode 331 andpull-down resistor 215.

FIG. 5 illustrates the operation of the SCPC 390 when the VBUS 231 isshort circuited. As discussed above, when the VBUS 231 is shorted,excessive heat is generated at the VBUS pins of the UFP 225. As the heatgenerated by the VBUS pin rises, the heat that is generated propagatesto the thermistor 337 and increases the thermistor's temperature. Theincreased temperature of the thermistor 337 reduces of the resistance ofthe thermistor. The reduced resistance of thermistor 337 reduces thevoltage at junction 342 presented by the voltage divider created byresistor 335 and thermistor 337.

Upon the voltage at junction 342 crossing below a certain voltage, suchas 0.6V, or more or less, the gate of the MOSFET 330 may be turned off.Turning off the MOSFET 330 may release the connection between pull-downresistors 215, 217 and ground thereby preventing current, illustrated bythe dashed line, from flowing through the pull-down resistors. When thepull-down resistors 215, 217 are disconnected from ground, the voltagepresented at the CC pins 205, 207 may be 3V, or more or less. When nopower is delivered over the VBUS 231, the temperature of the thermistor337 may cool. When the thermistor 337 cools to a certain temperature,its resistance may increase to a level high enough to create a voltagebetween the voltage divider sufficient to turn the MOSFET 330 back on.

As the CC pins 205, 207 are connected to corresponding CC pins on theDFP, a controller, such as controller 260, may detect that theparticular voltages at the CC pins of the DFP are greater than theparticular value required to trigger power delivery on the VBUS. As aresult, the controller may determine that a valid connection is nolonger present and cease power delivery to the UFP 225 via the VBUS 231.

In some instances a low dropout regulator (LDO) and associated capacitormay be integrated into the SCPC 390 to provide a regulated voltage tothe voltage divider formed by resistor 335 and thermistor 337. Forexample, and as illustrated in FIG. 6 , an LDO may be positioned afterjunction 341 and tied to resistor 335 at junction 641. Capacitor 664ties junction 641 to ground. Capacitor 664 may have a relatively smallcapacitance, such as 0.1 μF, or more or less. During a voltage change atjunction 641, capacitor 664 may release a stored charge to maintain aconsistent voltage at junction 641. The LDO may also present a lowervoltage to the voltage divider than provided by the VBUS, such that thevoltage output at junction 342 may be lower to turn the MOSFET when thethermistor 337 at a lower temperature that if a higher voltage waspresented to the voltage divider.

The SCPC 390 is a non-latching and self-recovering circuit. In thisregard, turning off power on the VBUS 231 allows the temperature of thethermistor to decrease, thereby increasing the resistance of thethermistor. The increase of resistance within the thermistor may causethe voltage divider (i.e., resistor 335 and thermistor 337) to generatea voltage at junction 342 which turns MOSFET 330 back on. Turning theMOSFET 330 back on may result in power again being delivered to the VBUS231. The MOSFET 330 may remain on until the heat generated by the shortcircuited VBUS 231 again causes the resistance of the thermistor todecrease to a point where the voltage supplied to the MOSFET is unableto keep the MOSFET 330 on. This cycle of the MOSFET 330 turning on andoff as a result of the temperature and resistance of the thermistorrising and falling may continue indefinitely.

In some instances, upon a short circuit event occurring on the VBUS, theVBUS may not sustain full voltage, such as 5V, or more or less. Thereduced voltage on VBUS may provide the divider with a lower voltage,thereby allowing the voltage across 337 to be lower. As such, the MOSFETmay turn off when the thermistor 337 is at a lower voltage, than if fullvoltage was provided to the voltage divider.

In some instances, a controller or other such processor may monitor thevoltage at junction 342. For instance, an electronic device which isconnected to UFP 225 may receive a temperature sense signal line (T_sns,shown in FIGS. 3-6 ) which provides the voltage of the voltage dividerformed by resistor 335 and thermistor 337. Based on the voltage, theelectronic device may be able to determine the resistance andtemperature of the thermistor 337. For example, and as shown in FIG. 6 ,resistor 335 and thermistor 337 are powered by VBUS, which may provide aregulated voltage of 5V, or more or less, through diode 333. The voltagedrop on thermistor 337 and at junction 342 is a function of temperatureof the thermistor 337. Thus, depending on the voltage of the T_sns,signal line at junction 342, the temperature and voltage of thethermistor 337 may be determined. This temperature and voltageinformation may be used for diagnostic and monitoring purposes toprovide warnings or to take action upon the temperature rising orvoltage falling outside a threshold value.

While the examples described above primarily relate to USB Type-Cconnector systems, it should be understood that the power line shortcircuit protection circuit may be implemented in any of a number ofconnector systems which provide power over a supply line based on thedetection of a particular voltage on another line of the system.

Unless otherwise stated, the foregoing alternative examples are notmutually exclusive, but may be implemented in various combinations toachieve unique advantages. As these and other variations andcombinations of the features discussed above can be utilized withoutdeparting from the subject matter defined by the claims, the foregoingdescription of the embodiments should be taken by way of illustrationrather than by way of limitation of the subject matter defined by theclaims. In addition, the provision of the examples described herein, aswell as clauses phrased as “such as,” “including” and the like, shouldnot be interpreted as limiting the subject matter of the claims to thespecific examples; rather, the examples are intended to illustrate onlyone of many possible embodiments. Further, the same reference numbers indifferent drawings can identify the same or similar elements.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A short circuit protection circuit, theshort circuit protection circuit comprising: a first configurationchannel line extending from a first pin of an upstream facing universalserial bus (USB) type-C port; a voltage divider connected to a firstjunction point on the first configuration channel line, the voltagedivider comprising a resistor and a thermistor, wherein the thermistoris connected to a ground line; a transistor directly connected to asecond junction point between the resistor and the thermistor of thevoltage divider, with no intermediary connection between the transistorand the second junction point, the transistor configured to turn onrespondent to an output voltage at the second junction point being abovea threshold value; and a controller directly connected to the secondjunction point, with no intermediary connection between the controllerand the second junction point, the controller configured to read theoutput voltage at the second junction point when there is voltage in thefirst configuration channel line and the second junction point.
 2. Theshort circuit protection circuit of claim 1, wherein a voltage ispresent at the first pin when the transistor is on.
 3. The short circuitprotection circuit of claim 1, further comprising: a diode positioned onthe first configuration channel line between the resistor on the firstconfiguration channel line and the first junction point.
 4. The shortcircuit protection circuit of claim 1, wherein the output voltage islower at the second junction point when the thermistor is at a highertemperature than when the thermistor is at a lower temperature.
 5. Theshort circuit protection circuit of claim 1, wherein the voltage divideroutputs there is no output voltage at the second junction point when thethermistor is above a predefined temperature.
 6. The short circuitprotection circuit of claim 1, further comprising a capacitor, whereinthe capacitor is connected on a first end to the first junction point onthe first configuration channel line and to the ground line on a secondend.
 7. The short circuit protection circuit of claim 6, wherein thecapacitor stabilizes the voltage at the first junction point.
 8. Theshort circuit protection circuit of claim 1, wherein the transistor isconfigured to turn off when the voltage at the second junction point isbelow the threshold value.
 9. The short circuit protection circuit ofclaim 8, wherein power is delivered over a power supply line extendingfrom another pin when transistor is on and no power is delivered overthe power supply line when the transistor is off.
 10. The short circuitprotection circuit of claim 1, wherein the transistor is a field-effecttransistor.
 11. The short circuit protection circuit of claim 1, whereinthe transistor is a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor(MOSFET).
 12. The short circuit protection circuit of claim 1, furthercomprising a second resistor connected to the first configurationchannel line, wherein the second resistor is connected to the drain ofthe transistor.
 13. The short circuit protection circuit of claim 1,wherein the controller is further configured to calculate at least oneof a temperature or a resistance of the thermistor based at least inpart on the output voltage.
 14. A short circuit protection circuit, theshort circuit protection circuit comprising: a first configurationchannel line extending from a first pin of an upstream facing universalserial bus (USB) type-C port; a second configuration channel lineextending from a second pin of the upstream facing USB type-C port; avoltage divider connected to a first junction point on the first andsecond configuration channel lines, the voltage divider comprising aresistor and a thermistor, wherein the thermistor is connected to aground line; and a transistor directly connected to a second junctionpoint between the resistor and the thermistor of the voltage divider,with no intermediary connection between the transistor and the secondjunction point, the transistor configured to turn on respondent to anoutput voltage at the second junction point being above a thresholdvalue; and a controller directly connected to the second junction point,with no intermediary connection between the controller and the secondjunction point, the controller configured to read the output voltage atthe second junction point when there is voltage in the firstconfiguration channel line and the second junction point.
 15. The shortcircuit protection circuit of claim 14, wherein a voltage is present atthe first pin when the transistor is on.
 16. The short circuitprotection circuit of claim 14, further comprising: a diode positionedon the first configuration channel line between a resistor on the firstconfiguration channel line and the first junction point; and a diodepositioned on the second configuration channel line between a resistoron the second configuration channel line and the first junction point.17. The short circuit protection circuit of claim 14, wherein the outputvoltage is lower at the second junction point when the thermistor is ata higher temperature than when the thermistor is at a lower temperature.18. The short circuit protection circuit of claim 14, wherein there isno output voltage at the second junction point when the thermistor isabove a predefined temperature.
 19. The short circuit protection circuitof claim 14, further comprising a capacitor, wherein the capacitor isconnected on a first end to the first junction point and to the groundline on a second end.
 20. The short circuit protection circuit of claim14, wherein the controller is further configured to calculate at leastone of a temperature or a resistance of the thermistor based at least inpart on the output voltage.